On/about January 8, 2019 a Grant County Sheriff’s Deputy performed a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 180E in Bayard. The vehicle stopped had been reported-involved in suspicious activity – Firearms were observed being loaded into the trunk. Two firearms were located in the vehicle trunk after consent was given by the driver for a search. Through ongoing investigation by Grant County Sheriff’s Detectives, the firearms were traced back to Steven Escobar’s possession (refer to recent-prior GCSO press release regarding this subject). Following approval by the District Attorney’s Office, Escobar was charged with being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Tampering with Evidence - fourth-degree felonies. An arrest warrant was subsequently issued by Silver City Magistrate Judge Laney.
On/about January 11, 2019 Deputies and Detectives of the Grant County Sheriff’s Department served a search warrant at the known residence of Steven R. Escobar in Santa Clara, NM. as part of the continuing investigation regarding an alleged weapons violation.
On January 12, 2019 at approximately 11:47pm, a Deputy on patrol in the Village of Santa Clara observed a male subject in the vicinity of the 400 block of East St. attempt to hide/evade being seen. The Deputy stopped, exited his vehicle at which time the male subject, later identified as Steven Escobar, fled on foot. The Deputy pursued Escobar on foot to the area of the intersection of Mill & East St., yelling “Stop, Grant County Sheriff’s Department” and “Stop Police” multiple times. Escobar eventually stopped, turned and faced the Deputy. He was observed with a large chain (non-jewelry) around his neck at which time the Deputy drew his sidearm at Escobar. Escobar removed the chain, dropping it to the ground as ordered. The Deputy then holstered his sidearm and drew his Taser, ordering Escobar to lay on the ground. Escobar complied and was taken into custody. At the time this incident occurred, Escobar had a valid felony arrest warrant (from the traffic stop action on January 8th). Escobar was found to be in possession of a (suspected) controlled substance and drug paraphernalia when taken into custody. He was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia - Misdemeanor, Possession of a Controlled Substance - Petty Misdemeanor and Resisting, Evading or Obstructing an Officer - Misdemeanor. Escobar was booked into the Grant County Detention Center without further incident.